Hasmonean State Ideology, Wars and Expansionism

The Hasmoneans built their power and kingdom by military and violent means, which they used both against external enemies and internal opponents. Through remarkable military achievements the tiny province of Judaea expanded into an independent state that in size matched the united kingdom of David and Solomon. The new Judaean entity was seen as fulfilment of scriptural prophecies, and the Hasmoneans were hailed as small ‘messiahs’ who brought messianic prophecies to a partial fulfilment. The Hasmoneans legitimized their reign and expansionist policy through an active use of the Scriptures. Hasmonean propaganda and ideology is most evident in 1 Maccabees, but can also be identified in one of Josephus’ sources. Hasmonean policy and propaganda led to criticism in opposition circles, evident from the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Psalms of Solomon. These opposition circles used the Scriptures in their own way to delegitimize the new rulers. The double office of the Hasmoneans (as ruler/king and high priest), seen by pro-Hasmonean circles as a sign of eschatological fulfilment, was criticized by others.
In its last part, the article draws connecting lines from Hasmonean messianism and state-building to King Herod and later messianic movements in the Land of Israel.